Kid Gavilan vs. Peter Waterman (1st meeting)

Kid Gavilan 147 lbs lost to Peter Waterman 147 lbs by PTS in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1956-02-07
• Location: Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, United Kingdom
• Referee: Ben Green

"Outrage boiled up today against a referee's decision that gave young Peter Waterman of Britain a decision victory over Cuban Kid Gavilan in a 10 round welterweight bout Tuesday night. British fans, newspapers and officials led the criticism heaped on the aging head of Ben Green, one of the most respected ring officials in the country. Promoter Jack Solomons, ring officials, boxing reporters and the 10,000 Harringay Arena fans all believed former world champion Gavilan had won easily with a bewildering variety of punches and aggressive tactics that obviously befuddled Waterman. From the 5th round Gavilan was in complete control of the fight. He fought in flurries but was always the aggressor. He easily landed two punches to Waterman's one. He changed his boxing style at least four times and continuously drove Waterman to the ropes. Waterman obviously was befuddled by the Kid's know-how." -United Press

• Protest over this decision caused the British Boxing Board of Control to hold a hearing on the matter, resulting in the revocation of the license of 71 year old referee Ben Green.

Unofficial scorecards

• UP - 7-3 Gavilan
• AP - 6-2-2 Gavilan
• UP survey of ringside reporters voted unanimously for Gavilan

Post fight comments

• "By my scorecard, Gavilan won eight rounds and Waterman two. This is one of the most outrageous decisions in a major contest." -Peter Wilson, of the Daily Mirror

• "The decision was ridiculous. Green is on his way out after this one." -Undercard referee, who requested anonymity for professional reasons and because of his friendship with Ben Green.